- Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, the influential reggae drummer and producer, passed away on January 26, 2026, at age 73.
- Known as one-half of the "Riddim Twins" alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar was a foundational figure in reggae, dub, and dancehall.
- His career spanned decades, featuring an estimated 200,000 recordings, two Grammy wins, and collaborations with global icons across multiple genres.
Career and Musical Impact
- Born in 1952 in Kingston, Jamaica, Dunbar began his career at 15 with The Yardbrooms.
- He gained prominence with the band The Revolutionaries at Channel One Studios, where he pioneered the "rockers" style—a more aggressive rhythm compared to traditional roots reggae.
- He and Robbie Shakespeare formed a powerhouse duo in 1975, playing with Peter Tosh before moving on to work with Black Uhuru, Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones.
- In 1980, they established their own label, Taxi Records, to maintain creative and financial independence.
Honors and Recognition
- Dunbar received 13 Grammy nominations and won twice: for Black Uhuru’s Anthem (1985) and the duo's album Friends (1999).
- He was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Distinction and the Musgrave Gold Medal from the Institute of Jamaica.
- In 2025, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Minnesota.
Tributes
- Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailed him as a "titan of music" and an "architect of sound."
- Cultural figures and artists, including UB40’s Ali Campbell and various industry journalists, recognized him for his innovation, rhythm, and enduring contribution to global music.